Moistureproof article



Patented Nov. 9, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOISTUREPROOF ARTICLE ware No Drawing.

Application December 21, 1934,

Serial No. 758,661

26 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of moistureproofing. More particularly, it relates to a composition of matter suitable for the production of moistureproof materials and also to the moistureproof materials per se.

We believe that moistureproofing is due to (1) the use of an agent which is inherently moistureproof, and (2) the laying down of this agent in a continuous unbroken film, either alone or If) in combination with other materials or vehicles hereinafter called film-forming substances.

We have found, as a result of a large number of experiments, that substances are inherently moistureproof when they are of such a nature that they are not only insoluble in water but also dissolve none or at least only an infinitesimal amount of water. Apparently, water vapor diffuses through continuous unbroken films of such substances by a process of dissolving in the film and evaporating from the other side. The solubility of water in the moistureproofing agent largely determines the rate oftransfusion of water vapor through the film, and therefore its inherent moistureproofness. Obviously, if

2.1 the film is non-continuous and broken, other factors enter into the determinationof the degree of moistureproofness.

We have found that organic sulphur compounds of the type hereafter more fully described can be used in the preparation of moistureproofing compositions which will yield moistureproof films, i. e. coatings or self-sustaining films, which are preferably also transparent, glossy, non-tacky, flexible, possess good surface slip, etc.

For the purposes of this specification and claims, we define moistureproof materials as those which, in the form of continuous unbroken sheets or films, permit the passage of not more than 570 grams of Water vapor per 100 square meters per hour, over a period of 24 hours, at approximately 35 C. i 0.2 C., the relative humidity of the atmosphere at one side of the film being maintained at-least at 98% and the relative humidity of the atmosphere at the other side being maintained at such a value as to give a humidity differential of at least Moisturcproofing coating compositions are defined as those which, when laid down in the form of a thin, continuous, unbroken film applied uniformly as a coating with a total coating thickness not exceeding 0.0005" to both sides of a sheet of regenerated cellulose of thickness approximately 0.0009", will produce a coated product which is moistureproof. 5

For the purpose of experimental tests, especially for those materials adaptable as coating compositions, moistureproof materials include those substances, compounds or compositions which, when laid down in the form of a continu- 10 ous unbroken film applied uniformly as a coating with a total coating thickness not exceeding 0.0005" to both sides of a sheet of regenerated cellulose of thickness approximately 0.0009", will produce a coated sheet which will permit the 15 passage therethrough of not more than 570 grams of water vapor per square meters per hour over a period of approximately 24 hours, at a temperature of 35 C. i- 0.2 C., with a water vapor pressure differential of 40-44 mm. 20 (preferably 41.8 1': 0.7 mm.) of mercury. For convenience, the number of grams of water vapor passed under these conditions may be referred to as the permeability value". An uncoated sheet of regenerated cellulose having a thickness of approximately 0.0009" will show a permeability value of the order of 5700.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that under the conditions set forth, a moistureproofed regenerated cellulose sheet is capable of resisting the passage of moisture or water vapor therethrough at least 10 times as effectively as the uncoated regenerated cellulose sheet.

We have specifically defined herein moistureproofness in terms of a permeability test per- 35 formed at substantially 35 C. It is to be understood, however, that by the adoption of this condition no disclaimer is made of moistureproofness of any of the materials or compositions when tested at temperatures lower than 35 C. Likewise, no disclaimer is made of moistureproofing effects exhibited by the materials herein described at temperatures above 35 C. There will be a temperature for each moisture proofing agent above which neither it nor com- 45 positions containing it show-substantial resistance to the passage'of moisture. However, this behavior does not disqualify the materials herein described as moistureproofing agents.

The critical temperature above which these 50 agents no longer exhibit moistureproof properties is dependent primarily upon the melting point of the material and upon the nature and composition of the film-forming substance with which it is used. Agents of higher melting points will show moistureproof properties up to higher temperatures than will agents of low melting points, other conditions being equal. Generally speaking, the agents of higher melting points will be preferred for this reason, though for certain other purposes it may be definitely advisable to use agents of lower melting points.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a composition of matter suitable for casting or coating purposes comprising a film-forming substance and an organic sulphur compound, more fully described hereafter, which will deposit a moistureproof film, i. e. a self-sustaining film or coating which is preferably also transparent, fiexible, non-tacky, glossy, and possesses good surface slip.

Another object of this invention is to provide moistureproof films, i. e. self-sustaining films or coatings containing organic sulphur compounds which impart moistureproofness thereto, said film being also preferably transparent, flexible, non-tacky, glossy, and possessing good surface slip.

Other objects will become apparent from the following description and appended claims.

The instant invention, in one phase thereof, contemplates a flowable composition of matter which will deposit a moistureproof film, i. e. selfsustaining film or coating which, in the preferred embodiment, is transparent (glass-clear), flexible, glossy, non-tacky, and possesses good surface slip. The composition consists of an agent which affords the basis for moistureproofness, and a film-forming substance. In the preferred embodiment, the composition also includes a solvent or solvent mixture, a plasticizer and/ or a blending agent.

three of its valences attached to carbon or bydrogen. As illustrative specific examples of the organic sulphur compounds which this invention contemplates as moistureprooflng agents may be mentioned the organic compounds containing one sulphur group, such as organic thio ethers, thio alcohols (mercaptans) thio aldehydes, thio acids, etc., and organic compounds containing a dior polysulphide group, such as dioctadecyl disulphide.

When an organic monothio ether containing no other modifying groups in the molecule is used as the moistureprooflng agent, we have found that the molecule must contain at least sixteen hydrocarbon carbon atoms in order to achieve 9'. mois-- tureproofing effect. When more than sixteen hydrocarbon carbon atoms are present, better moistureprooflng effects are secured. When a mercaptan containing no other modifying groups in the molecule is used as the moistureprooflng to various other derivatives.

agent, we have found that the molecule must contain at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms in order to achieve moistureprooflng effects. -When more than 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms are present, better moistureprooflng effects are secured.

It is to be understood that this invention is not restricted to the use of monothio ethers or monothio alcohols (simple mercaptans) or indeed to compounds containing only these two groups. The invention contemplates the use of di-, trior other poly-thio ethers or poly-thio alcohols which may or may not contain additional active or modifying groups. Any group or atom other than hydrocarbon is considered an active group. We have found that, when the number of active groups is increased, the limiting ratio of hydrocarbon carbon atoms to active group is decreased. For example, when two similar active groups are present, the limiting ratio may be 55%-66% of the limiting ratio for one such group, while for three similar active groups the limiting ratio is 45%-55% and approaches a limiting value of 30% as the number of similar active groups is further increased. When different active groups are introduced, the limiting ratio of hydrocarbon carbon atoms to these active groups will vary, depending on the nature and number of such groups. Thus, for example, if two different active groups are present, the limiting ratio of hydrocarbon carbon atoms to active groups will be 55%-66% of the mean of the limiting ratios for each of the individual active groups. Assuming the active groups A and B with individual limiting ratios of 16 and 12 respectively, the limiting ratio for a compound containing one each of these groups will be about 8 (55%-66% of 14) hydrocarbon carbon atoms per active group.

Octadecyl mercaptan, ceryl mercaptan, dinaphthyl thio ether and dicetyl thio ether are specific illustrative examples of organic sulphur compounds which are moistureproof and can be utilized in the preparation of moistureproof films. We have found that stable organic sulphur compounds, probably because of a lower affinity for water as compared with the corresponding oxygen compounds, are inherently somewhat more moistureproof than the analogous oxygen compounds. Other types of organic sulphur compounds, such as thio aldehydes and the thio acids, can also be prepared in the form of continuous films which show moistureprooflng action, but these compounds are unstable and may hydrolyze more or less readily in the presence of water or water vapor to the corresponding oxygen compound, or may be oxidized by air Thus, the moistureproof film prepared with these compounds may or may not be moistureproof after a time, depending on the moistureprooflng action of the product resulting from the hydrolysis of oxidation of these sulphur compounds. Because of their reactivity, such sulphur compounds are not entirely satisfactory for the preparation of moistureprooflng compositions, but where relatively chemically inert compounds of these and other classes exist, they may be used.

As previously mentioned, the composition also contains a film-forming substance. As illustrative examples of film-forming substances may be mentioned cellulose derivatives, for example, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl celluose, mixedesters or ether esters; resins, either natural or synthetic, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin and its derivatives, including glycerol, glycol or diethylene glycol esters of hydrogenated rosin; rosin esters of glycerol, glycol or diethylene glycol; gum dammar; polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol resins, either modified or unmodified; vinyl resins of the polymerized vinyl acetate, polymerized chlor-vinyl acetate and polymerized vinyl acetal resin types; metastyrene resin; phenolic condensation products; rubber, gutta percha, balata, caoutchouc; synthetic rubbers including polymers of isoprene, butadiene and their homologues; chemical derivatives of rubber, such as halogenated rubber, rubber treated with sulphuric acid, rubber treated with tin tetrachloride; rubber treated with chlorostannic acid; varnishes; etc. One or a plurality of film-forming ingredients may be used. The precise film-forming ingredient or mixture thereof depends upon the purpose for which the compositions are to be used.

When the composition contains a softener, any suitable softener for the film-forming ingredient may be used. For example, diamyl phthalate, tricresyl phosphate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, butyl benzoyl benzoate, etc. may be used, when the film-forming ingredient is a cellulose derivative.

In some compositions wherein a cellulose de-- rivative is used, the film which is produced may be hazy. If desired, this may be overcome by incorporating in such a composition a blending agent. Such compositions also are generally more moistureproof than those without the blending agent or gum. The blending agent tends to improve the compatibility of the moistureproofing agents with the other ingredients in the film and consequently the impermeability of the film. As several illustrative examples of blending agents may be mentioned gums or resins, such as dammar, gum elemi, ester gum, hydrogenated rosin; hydrogenated ester gum or the like, halogenated diphenyl, a natural occurring balsam or a synthetic balsam-like substance, such as diethylene glycol hydrorosinate, or a substance such as lanum, hydrogenated castor oil, didodecyl phthalate, retene, diricinoleic ester of glycerol or the like.

The ingredients which constitute the final film may be dissolved in an appropriate solvent or solvent mixture to form a solution which may be used as herein described. Alternatively, the ingredients constituting thefinal film may be used in the form of a melt. When the composition is to be used in the form of a melt, it is desirable to include therein a blending agent to inhibit crystallization. Hydrogenated rubber, hydrogenated ester gum, rosin, dammar, diethylene glycol hydrorosinate and the like, are several illustrative examples of crystallization inhibitors. Whenever the composition is in the form of a lacquer and used for coating purposes, the solvents thereof are chosen so that they will not produce any deleterious effects on the base being coated.

The proper formulation of the lacquer so that it will yield coatings which are transparent and highly moistureproof is determined by tests. One of the most important things to be determined is the proper amount of blending agent to be used. This can be determined, for example, as follows: A series of compositions is prepared containing the same amounts of lacquer base,

softener, moistureproofing agentand solvent. Diil'erent quantities of blending agent are then added to each of these lacquers and the general properties, such as transparency and the permeability values of sheets of regenerated cellulose, for example, coated with each of these compositions, are plotted against the ratio of blending agent to moistureproofing agent used.

When a lacquer of the type described in Example III is modified according to this systematic procedure, it will be found that the lowest permeability value occurs very near the point where the coatings become completely transparent. In the case of dioctadecyl thio ether in this particular composition, this point is equivalent to approximately 45 to 6 grams of dammar to 1 gram of dioctadecyl thio ether. It is obvious that this optimum blending agent-moistureproofing agent ratio will vary for different moistureproofing agents and for different blending agents with the same moistureproofing agent. In general, this ratio depends upon the hydrocarbon carbon content and the solubility of the moistureprooflng agent in the lacquer solids. Thus, the ratio is high for moistureproofing agents having high hydrocarbon carbon content and low for moistureproofing agents which are quite soluble or compatible with the other constituents of the coating. Undoubtedly, other factors, such as melting point, solvent composition of the lacquer, type of lacquer base used, etc., also affect this optimum ratio, but the two considerations mentioned above seem to be the more important ones.

A series of experiments, based on the composition of Example 111 will, of course, have a pyroxylin lacquer base and a pyroxylin-moistureproofing agent ratio of 5.26:1. Obviously, this ratio can also be varied and the relations between permeability value and the blending agent-moistureprooflng agent ratio determined for sheets of regenerated cellulose coated with a series of lacquers having a different lacquer base-moistureproofing agent ratio to which various amounts of dammar or other blending agent have been added. These relations will have the same general character but it will be found generally that, as the lacquer base-moistureproofing agent ratio is increased (decreasing the quantity of moistureproofing agent), the permeability values will be higher for a given blending agent-moistureproofing agent ratio and will eventually pass out of the moistureproof limit. On the other hand, decreasing this ratio (increasing the moistureprooflng agent) does not decrease the permeability values indefinitely and, after a certain point is reached may even decrease the moistureproofness. Experiments have shown that the optimum lacquer base-moistureproofing agent ratio usually falls within the limits 1:10 to 200:1 and the blending agent-moistureproofing agent ratio lies between the limits of 0:1 to 10:1. The most satisfactory cellulose derivative base-moistureproofing lacquers generally fall within these limits for nearly all moistureproofing agents, the optimum pyroxylin-moistureproofing agent ratios being of the order of 2:1 to 30:1. However, for certain purposes, for example, compositions for casting moistureproof foil, the ratios may differ greatly from those given above and we do not intend that we should be confined to these limits which are suggested merely as an aid to the proper formulation of moistureproofing lacquers. The above or any other method for determining the most satisfactory formula in which to use any moistureproofing agent to achieve minimum permeability and maximum clarity of coating may be used. The above discussion is merely given as one systematic method, whereby compositions may be formulated with the moistureproofing agents here disclosed. Different moistureproofing agents will yield different data. on such a series of experiments as this, and moistureproofing agents of different chemical constitution will be formulated differently into various dopes or vehicles. There is thus no single composition such as has been described above which is capable of universal application. The specific examples hereinafter given are thus illustrative, and the above-described method of systematically varying the compositions of solids in which a moistureproofing agent is used is exemplary of a general method, whereby optimum results may be achieved with an agent. The method is, of course, capable of extension to include variations of any of the solid lacquer ingredients, or

even to include solvents and the solvent composition. Thus, when one skilled in the art is taught by these disclosures, he will be able to formulate a variety of compositions containing any of the moistureprooflng agents or to determine those compositions with which our moistureproofing agents are most advantageously used. A moistureproofing agent is thus not a material which will always and universally produce moistureproof coatings utterly regardless of the composition in which it is used. It usually requires to be formulated in certain favorable compositions to bring out its inherent moistureproofing properties. On the other hand, a substance which is not inherently moistureproof cannot by any extended amount of work in formulation be made to yield moistureproof films or coatings. Thus, when we speak of the inherent property of a compound to moistureproof, we are concerned with a specific inherent property which permits it to be used with some film-forming vehicle to produce moistureproof coatings.

The composition can be used for the produc tion of films, either by casting it in the wellknown manner to produce self-sustaining films, or by coating it on to the selected base. When the composition is to be used as a coating, any suitable base material, paper, highly calendered paper, glassine, leather, fabrics, etc. may be used. The compositions may even be applied to metals to prevent them from rusting by virtue of their moistureproofing property. They may also be used to coat individual fibers of cotton, wool or artificial silk in such a manner as to make them moistureproof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, when a transparent wrapping tissue is desired, the base may consist of thin, dense, non-fibrous, substantially non-porous and preferably transparent sheeting formed of a cellulosic, albuminous or other material. As illustrative examples of cellulosic sheeting may be mentioned cellulosic sheeting coagulated or precipitated from an aqueous dispersion or solution of a cellulosic material, for example, sheeting of regenerated cellulose, glycol cellulose, cellulose glycollic acid, lowly etherified or esterified cellulose,

' such as lowly methylated cellulose; and sheeting application at an elevated temperature in order to prevent separation of the moistureproofing ingredients. The excess composition is removed by any suitable means and substantially all the volatile solvents are removed from the composition at an elevated temperature, for example, C.- 0., in order to prevent separation or crystallization of the moistureproofing agent during evaporation of the solvent. It is also preferable to use air low in moisture content during the drying operation in order to obtain evaporation of the solvent without film blush. After being dried, the product, if the base is of the type which loses moisture at elevated temperatures, may be subjected to a humidifying treatment or other means for a sufficient time to impart or restore flexibility and to deodorize. lacquer-coated materials may be air-dried at room temperature, in which case the humidifying treatment is not needed.

Hereafter, there are set forth several illustrative specific examples in order to more clearly explain the invention;

Example I A composition consisting of the following ingredients in approximately the proportions set forth is prepared in any convenient and appropriate manner:

Parts by weight Pyroxylin 5:26 Gum dammar (dewaxed) 4.50 Dibutyl phthalate 2.32 Dioctadecyl thio ether 1.00 Ethyl acetate 46.25 Toluene 36.00 Alcohol 6.28 Acetone 0.68

A transparent sheet of regenerated cellulose is submerged in this lacquer which, for convenience, is maintained at a temperature of 40 C. in order to prevent separation of the moistureproofing agent. The excess lacquer is removed by suitable means and the coated sheet is dried, preferably promptly, at an elevated temperature and preferably also in air at 90 C.l10 C. The coated sheet is glass-clear in transparency, flexible, nontacky, glossy, possesses good surface slip, and is only approximately 0.00005" to 0.00015 thicker than the uncoated sheet, and it is practically impossible to distinguish the coated sheet by appearance. However, the coated sheet is moistureproof, having a permeability value of less than 570, for example, of the order of or even less. It is apparent that these permeability values indicate 10 to 50-fold improvement over an uncoated sheet of regenerated cellulose as re gards resistance to the passage of moisture or water vapor.

The coated sheet is also much more resistant to the passage of water vapor than a similar sheet coated with the same lacquer except for the omission of dioctadecyl thio ether or a sheet coated, for example, with a high grade waterproof spar varnish. A sheet coated with the lacquer without the addition of dioctadecyl thio ether will have a permeability value of 4,000 to 5,000, while the sheet coated with a waterproof spar varnish will have a permeability value of from 2,000 to 4,000.

In place of dioctadecyl thio ether mentioned in this example, octadecyl mercaptan or dicetyl thio ether may be used. Compositions containing octadecyl mercaptan yield coated films having a permeability value of 5'70 or less. Films In some cases, the

coated with compositions containing dioctadecyl thio ethers show permeability values of 100 or less.

Example II A composition consisting of the following ingreclients in approximately the proportions set forth is prepared by any well-known procedure:

Parts by weight Ethyl cellulose 6 Rosin 4 Tricresyl phosphate 1 Octadecyl mercaptan 1 Toluene 60 Alcohol 19 Ethyl lactate 10 Transparent sheets of regenerated cellulose moistureproofed with this composition in the manner described in Example I will be transparent, flexible, glossy, have good surface slip, and will have permeability values of 570 or less.

Further, compositions of this type may be used for protecting steel and other corrodible metals against rust or the like. These coatings may be air-dried at room temperature for 30 minutes or more and are then at least 10 times as impermeable to moisture vapor as similar coatings containing no moistureprooflng agent.

The omission of ethyl lactate will provide a composition suitable for coating sheets of cellulose acetate and such coated sheets will prohibit the passage of more than 570 grams of water vapor. This product is also transparent, flexible, glossy, and possesses good surface slip.

As previously explained, in many cases it may be desirable to omit the gum or resin entirely, though when used it may materially improve the transparency of the final product; The following is an example of a moistureproofing composition containing no gum:

Example III A composition consisting of the following ingredients in approximately the proportions set forth is prepared in any well-known manner:

Parts by weight Pyroxylin 5.26 Dibutyl phthalate 3.32 Dioctadecyl thio ether 1.00 Ethyl acetate 46.25 Toluene 36.00

Alcohol 6.28 Acetone 0.68

A highly calendered, smooth paper is provided with a continuous layer of this lacquer by coating with or without impregnation, and then drying at 90 C.-100 C. The product has a permeability value of the order of 570 or less.

Example IV The following is an example of a composition wherein a polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol resin constitutes the film-forming ingredient. This composition, consisting of the following ingredients in approximately the proportions given, is prepared inany suitable manner:

Parts by weight *Perilla oil polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol resin varnish 50 Dicetyl thio ether 1 Toluene 50 The perilla oil polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol resin varnish is prepared from the following ingredients:

- Parts by weight Perilla. oil 329.0 Phthalic anhydride 472.5 Glycerin 204.6 Sodium hydroxide 0.7 Metallic cobalt (added as linoleate) 0.7

Ethyl acetate 800.0

*The procedure for preparing the perilla oil polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol resin varnish is as follows: Heat 72.6 parts of C. P. Glycerin to 350 F. in closed kettle-condenser and stirrer. At 350 F. add NaOH, followed by perilla oil. Stir rapldly and heat to 437 F. Hold until clear (15-30 minutes). Add phthalic anhydride and heat to 392 F. Add residue of glycerin to batch. Heat to 392 F. and hold (5 hours). Acid number 45-55. Cool to 175 F. Cut with ethyl acetate. Add drier and centrifuge. (Solids 50%).

Regenerated cellulose sheeting coated with this material will have a permeability value of the order of 570 or even less. Compositions of this type may be used without blending agents, but in some cases it is advantageous to use a small amount of a gum. Usually, compositions of this nature are sufficiently flexible without the addition of a plasticizer.

As previously explained, another method for obtaining articles which are of themselves mois tureproof is the casting of films containing the organic sulphur compounds as moistureproofing agents. The compositions described in Examples I, II and III may be used for this purpose. It is usually desirable, however, to employ a higher solids base solution for casting sheets than is ordinarily used for forming thin coatings. Furthermore, in view of the greater thickness of cast foils as compared to coatings, a smaller proportion of the moistureproofing agent is used in order to obtain transparency and a high degree of moistureproofness, and this in turn will require the use of a smaller quantity of blending agent and/or the use of blending agentsother than hard gums in appreciable quantities. Those skilled in the art will be able to formulate by tests satisfactory compositions for the preparation of cast sheets. Hereafter are set forth specific examples relating to the production of selfsustaining films:

Example V A composition consisting of the following ingredients in approximately the proportions set forth is prepared in any well-known manner:

Grams Ethyl cellulose Toluene 60 Alcohol 30 Dewaxed dammar 1.1 Dibutyl phthalate 2.5 Dioctadecyl thio ether 1.0

This composition is cast on a suitable surface at a temperature of about 60 C. in order to prevent separation and crystallization of the moistureprooflng agent during the casting process. The solvents are removed at a temperature of 60 C.-100 C., the latter temperature being attained. as soon as possible without the formation of bubbles in the cast sheet. After the solvents have evaporated, the sheet is cooled and stripped from its support. Foils prepared in this manner are transparent, flexible, glossy, possess good surface slip, and have a permeability value of the order of 60 or less.

Example VI A composition consisting of the following ingredients in the approximate proportions set forth is cast into sheets by the procedure described in Example V.

Grams 50-second pyroxylin 12 Dibutyl phthalate 6 Ethyl acetate 40 Toluene 35 Alcohol 10 Dewaxed dammar 3 Dioctadecyl thio ether 1 The films are transparent, flexible, glossy, possess good surface slip, and have a permeability value of the order of 48 or less.

The cast sheets and protective coatings prepared in accordance with the instant invention have the ability to resist the transmission or diffusion of water vapor to an extent at least 4 times that displayed by sheets of equal thickness and produced from similar or prior art compositions formulated without the addition of moistureproofing agents. The value 4 merely sets forth the minimum improvement and does not limit the higher moistureproofness that can be obtained. The moistureproofing agents herein described are capable of being formulated into films showing improvement over prior art films produced from compositions formulated without the addition of moistureproofing agents not only 4 but 10, 20, 40 and in some cases even 100 fold. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

The compounds described in this application as moistureproofing agents have many advantages. Moistureproofing compositions containing the moistureprooflng agents are easily duplicated. As previously stated, these compositions in certain formulations thereof yield coatings which air-dry at ordinary temperatures. For certain purposes where it is not feasible to force-dry the coatings, this becomes especially important. As for the moistureproofing agents themselves, they are generally colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonvolatile, and essentially non-toxic, at least in the quantities in which they are used, and they can be reproduced synthetically with a high degree of uniformity and consistency.

In the definition hereinbefore set forth, it is to be understood that the permeability value of 570 represents only the maximum value. In many cases permeabilities of 235, 140, 57, 30 or indeed less may be obtained.

When bases of the preferred type are utilized, the ultimate product is admirably suited for use as a transparent moistureproof wrapping tissue.

Since it is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the above description without departing from the nature or spirit thereof, this invention is not restricted thereto except as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating containing a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C. and selected from the group which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids, the organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to render said coating moistureproof.

2. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating comprising a filmforming substance and a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C., said organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating and being selected from the class which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids.

3. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent non-fibrous base sheet having a transparent continuous coating comprising a film-forming substance, a blending agent and a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C., said organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating and being se lected from the class which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids.

4. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent regenerated cellulose base sheet having a transparent continuous coating comprisinga film-forming substance, a blending agent and a solid organic sulphur compoundhaving a melting point of at least 37 C., said organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating and being selected from the class which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids.

5. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating containing a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the SH group, the mercaptan being present in an amount to render said coating moistureproof.

6. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating comprising a filmforming substance and a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the SH group, said mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating.

7. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent non-fibrous base sheet having a transparent continuous coating comprising a filmforming substance, a blending agent and a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the SH group, said mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating.

8. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent regenerated cellulose base sheet having a transparent continuous coating comprising a film-forming substance, a blending agent and a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the SH group, said mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said coating.

9. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating containing a thio ether having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 16 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the sulphur atom, the thio ether being present in an amount to render said coating moistureproof.

10. An article of manufacture comprising a base having a continuous coating comprising a film-forming substance, a thio ether having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 16 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the sulphur atom, the thio atoms for the sulphur atom, the thio ether being present in an amount to render said coating moistureproof.

12. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent regenerated cellulose base sheet having a transparent continuous coating comprising a film-forming substancega blending agent and a thio ether having a melting point of at least 37 0., no modifying groups'in the molecule and at least 16 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the sulphur atom, the thio ether being present in an amount to render said coating moistureproof.

13. An article of manufacture havinga continuous unbroken surface comprising a filmforming substance and a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C. as the moistureproofing agent and selected from the group which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids, the organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said surface.

14. An article of manufacture comprising a continuous unbroken film comprising a filmforming substance and a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C. as the moistureproofing agent and selected from the group which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids, the organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said film.

15. An article of manufacture comprising a continuous unbroken film comprising a film-forming susbstance, a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C. as the moistureprooiing agent, and a blending agent, the ratio of the quantity of the film-forming substance to the quantity of sulphur compound being within the limits of 1:10 to 200: 1, and the ratio of the blending agent to the quantity of organic sulphur compound being within the limits of :1 to 10:1, said sulphur compound being selected from the group which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids, the organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to said film.

16. An article of manufacture comprising a continuous unbroken film comprising pyroxylin and a solid organic sulphur compound having a melting point of at least 37 C. as the moistureproofing agent, and a blending agent, the ratio of the quantity of pyroxylin to the quantity of organic sulphur compound being within the limits of 2:1 to 30:1, said organic sulphur compound being selected from the group which consists of thio ethers, mercaptans, thio aldehydes and thio acids, the organic sulphur compound being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the film.

17. An article of manufacture having a continuous unbroken surface comprising a filmforming substance and a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 0., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 18 hydrothereof comprising: i

carbon carbon atoms for the SH group, the mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the article.

18. An article of manufacture comprising a; continuous unbroken film comprising a filmforming substance and a mercaptan having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the'molecule and at least 18 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the SH group, the mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the film.

19. An article of manufacture having a continuous unbroken surface comprising a filmforming substance and octadecyl mercaptan, the mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the article.

20. An article of manufacture comprising a continuous unbroken film comprising a, filmforming substance and octadecyl mercaptan, the mercaptan being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the film.

21. An article of manufacture having a continuous unbroken surface comprising a filmforming substance and a thio ether having a melting point of at least 37 0., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 16 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the S atom, the thio ether being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the article.

22. An article of manufacture comprising a continuous unbroken film, comprising a filmforming substance and a thio ether having a melting point of at least 37 C., no modifying groups in the molecule and at least 16 hydrocarbon carbon atoms for the S atom, the thio ether being present in an amount to impart moistureproofness to the article.

23. An article of manufacture having a continuous unbroken surface comprising a filmforming substance and dioctadecyl thio ether,

the thio ether being present in an amount to Pyroxylin 5.26 Gum dammar-dewaxed 4.50 Dibutyl phthalate 2. 32 Dloctadecyl thio ether 1. 00

26. An article of manufacture comprising a transparent sheet of regenerated cellulose having a transparent continuous coating on each side Parts by weight Pyroxylin 5. 26 Gum dammar-dewaxed 4. Dibutyl phthalate 2.32 Octadecyl mercaptan 1.00

WILLIAM HALE CHARCH. MERLIN MARTIN BRUBAKER. FREDERICK M. MEIGS. 

